New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1887-07-27
THE PRESIDENT,
lie Takes Part in Centennial Celebration snd
Tells What President Should Be.

At a centennial celebration at Clinton,
New 4ork, on the 1 9th, which was attend
ed by a vast crowd, the speeches occupied
over two hours, and with the exception of
that by President Cleveland, were chiefly
by persons OF local fame connected pv
blood with the early settlers OF this place.
lam inclined to content myself on this
occasion with an acknowledgement on be-
hall OF the people OF the United States OF
the compliment which you have paid to
the office which represents their sovereign
ty, but such an acknowledgment suggests
an idea which cannot refrain from dwell
2 ing upon Tor moment. That the Office
OF presldenttof United States does repre-
sent the sovereignty of 10000, 900 OF peo-
pie IS, TO my nina, statement full OF sol
eemnlty, for this sovereignty conceive to
be the working act or enforcement, OF the
divine gift OF man to govern himself and a
manifestation OF Gods plans concerning
the human race. Though the struggle OF
political parties to secure the incumbency
OF this office, and the questionable methods
sometimes resorted to for it's possession
may not be akin with this idea;
and though the deceit practiced to mislead
the people in their choice and its too fire.
quent influences on their suffrage may sur
prise US. these things should never lead us
:. astray in our estimate of this exalted pos
ton and it's value and dignity; and though
your fellow citizens, who may be chosen to
perform for a time the duties OF this high
place, should be badly selected and though
the best attainable results may not be at
tanned by his administration, yet the ex-
acting watchfulness OF the people, freed
from the disturbing turmoil OF politicalex
citement, ought to prevent mischance to
the office which represents their sovereign
ty, and should reduce to a minimum the
danger OF harm to the state. I by no
means underestimate the Importance Of
the.
UTMOST CARE AND CIRCUMsPECTIoN
lin selection OF the incumbent. On the con-
trary, believe there is no obligation Of
citizenship that demands more thought
Il and conscientious delihera ton than this;
but | am speaking OF the citizens duty to
the Office and its selected Incumbent. This
duty is only performed when, in the inter
est OF the entire people, the full exercise OF
the powers OF chief magistracy in insisted
on and when for the peoples safety due
regard for the limitations placed upon the
Office is exactel. These things should be
enforced by the manifest station OF calm
and enlightened public opinion. But this
should not be stimulated by the mad
clamor OF disappointed interest which
without regard for the general good or al
lowance for the exercise OF official
iudgm ents, would degrade the
j office by forcing compliance 4. with
selfish demands. If your president should
/ not be OF the people and one OF your fellow
I citizens he would be utterly unfit for the
4 position, incapable OF understanding the
4 peoples wants, and careless Of their desires.
That he is one OF the people implies
that he is subject to human frailty and
a error; but'he should be permitted to claim
I but little liberation for mistakes. The
j generosity OF his fellow citizens shout d
& alone decree howfar good intentions should
Il excuse his shortcomings. Watch well,
/ then, this high office, the most precious
possession OF American citizenship. De
mand for it the most complete devotion
on the part OF him to whose custody it
may be entrusted, and protect it. not less
vigilantly from unworthy assaults from
without. Thus will you perform a sacred
duty to yourselves and to those who may
follow you in the enjoyment OF the freest
institutions which heaven has ever vouch-
rsafed to man.
d -.